Cruise Review: Norwegian Encore

According to Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) executives, Norwegian Encore is the pinnacle of the Breakaway class.

“We’ve taken the best of Breakaway, Getaway, Escape, Joy and Bliss — and put it all together here,” said Harry Sommer, incoming president and CEO of NCL. “We’ve spared no expense. Everything that we’ve done we’ve put it on this ship and then made [those features] even a little bit better.”

Sommer is not exaggerating in any way. Having been on those five predecessors — standouts of their own — I can testify to the evolution of the Breakaway and Breakaway Plus class of ships over time. Encore is the accumulation of the best elements from the 2013-launched Breakaway to the 2018-christened Bliss.

Originally customized for the Chinese market but since converted for Americans, Joy first debuted go-kart racing and the Galaxy Pavilion virtual gaming center to the high seas but did not have a thermal suite as part of its spa. Inversely, Bliss reintroduced the thermal suite but did away with the Galaxy Pavilion, while making its racetrack longer. But, thankfully, Encore has it all. With the addition of an extra deck at the stern, the spa and entertainment center are both fully equipped, and the Encore Speedway is even longer — 20% so according to Sommer.

There is only one large venue missing on Encore, but it’s not really missed. Positioned where the adults-only Spice H2O outdoor lounge is on previous ships is now laser tag, and in lieu of the shooting arena onboard Joy and Bliss is an expanded Vibe Beach Club. The updated private enclave even includes a dripping water feature for cooling off.

Ditching previously extraterrestrial laser tag, an Atlantis theme — complete with ancient ruin statuary and a menacing giant snake sculpture — is the appropriate ship setting for fun team battles. Sommer points out that placing the arena closer to related activities — such as an adjacent speedway, which expands further into minigolf territory — provides added convenience. 

Also new to Encore is its headlining Broadway production. “Kinky Boots” is a high-energy and heartfelt look at the world of drag queens that tells a timely story about gender issues. However,  NCL’s top-rated show across the fleet is “The Choir of Man,” a jaunty performance featuring modern and classic pub tunes, some expertly mashed up, with loads of hilarious audience participation.

Culinary wise, Onda by Scarpetta — described by Sommer as a “more genuine Italian experience” than La Cucina, which it replaces — is an additional fresh option on Encore. Dishes are delicious and indeed authentic, ranging from pizzas and antipasti (the burrata is to die for) to pastas and secondi. Other favorite specialty restaurants such as Le Bistro, Los Lobos, Food Republic, Cagney’s Steakhouse and Q Texas Smokehouse join The Manhattan Room’s main dining. Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville at Sea was not reprised. Instead, American Diner serves tasty comfort food priced a la carte.

Encore is the largest of all the Breakaway-class ships, but it carries a comparable number of passengers relative to the smallest Breakaway and Getaway. This translates into lots of space for guests to roam. Two massive applause-worthy observation lounges — one private for The Haven and one public for all guests — make their way on from Joy and Bliss, and The Waterfront alfresco boardwalk is free of any obstructive lifeboat views since the class’ first ships.

Encore may represent the last of its series, but it’s certainly not the least nor the last for the line. NCL plans to unveil the first of its new “Project Leonardo” ships in 2022.

The Details
Norwegian Cruise Line
www.ncl.com